APPLE cider vinegar has been touted as a weight loss aid, with some small studies suggesting it might help with appetite suppression, metabolism, and blood sugar levels.
But experts now warn evidence suggesting small daily quantities can help overweight or obese people lose weight isn’t true.
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A small clinical trial published in the open access journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health in March 2024 reportedly found people who endured a sour start to the day can shed up to 8kg (18lb) in just three months.
Following the finding, the Lebanese researchers said new guidelines could suggest obese people start taking a daily dose of the vinegar.
But the claim has now been retracted after concerns were raised about the quality of the work, including the reliability of raw data and inadequate reporting of methods – which breaches BMJ Group’s editorial policy.
After a review by BMJ Group’s content integrity team, the study was referred to statistical experts to evaluate its reliability.
This included attempts to replicate the results and examine the authenticity of the underlying data supplied by the authors.
But it wasn’t possible for the statisticians to replicate the results and multiple analytical errors were identified.
The authors said the identified errors were honest mistakes, and they agree with the decision to retract the study.
Dr Helen Macdonald, Publication Ethics and Content Integrity Editor at BMJ Group, said: “Tempting though it is to alert readers to an ostensibly simple and apparently helpful weight loss aid, at present the results of the study are unreliable.
She added: “This retraction reflects our strategic and proactive approach to investigating concerns raised about the content we publish. We act where necessary in the interests of openness and the importance of correcting the scientific record.
“While we deal with allegations as swiftly as possible, it’s very important that due process is followed. Investigations are often complex.
“This one involved detailed scrutiny of data and correspondence with researchers, institutions, and other experts, for example.
“Reaching a sound and fair and final decision can therefore take several months.”
A 2018 study on adults found apple cider vinegar, when combined with a restricted calorie diet, led to greater reductions in weight and BMI compared to the diet alone.
In a 2022 literature review, apple cider vinegar was shown to reduce appetite in four out of six short-term studies.
While there have been numerous small-scale and short-term studies on apple cider vinegar for weight loss, evidence remains limited and inconclusive.
Commenting on the decision to publish the 2024 study despite the lack of trial registration, Professor Martin Kohlmeier, editor in chief of BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health, explained: “In hindsight, this was the wrong decision to make.
“But the authors come from a scientific environment that is underrepresented in nutritional research and the journal aims to prioritise high quality evidence, which usually comes from clinical trials.
“These are relatively unusual in nutritional research as they can be challenging to undertake because of the numbers of participants and time needed to obtain meaningful results.”
Science-baked ways to lose weight
Add protein to your diet
Studies show that high-protein diets lead to greater weight loss and fat mass reduction while preserving lean muscle mass compared to lower-protein diets.
This is attributed to increased satiety, a higher thermic effect of food, and reduced appetite-stimulating hormones.
Although short-term benefits are well-documented, maintaining adherence to the high-protein diet is crucial for achieving long-term weight management.
Limit processed foods
A recent University College London (UCL) study published in Nature found that people on a minimally processed diet lost weight twice as fast as those on an ultra-processed diet, even when the diets were matched for nutrients and overall calories
Fast intermittently
Several large studies, including a 2025 network meta-analysis published in The BMJ by Harvard researchers and a 2023 study from the American College of Physicians, indicate that intermittent fasting is as effective as continuous calorie restriction for weight loss and may offer other health benefits.
The effectiveness depends on adherence, and some studies have found that alternate-day fasting may be more effective than other intermittent fasting methods.
Limit intake of added sugar
Studies, like the CARDIA study and others referenced by the American Heart Association (AHA) and World Health Organisation (WHO), show that limiting added sugar intake is linked to weight loss and a reduced risk of obesity.
In the UK, no more than 5 per cent of your daily calorie intake should come from free sugars (added sugars, and sugars in honey, syrups, and fruit juice).
For adults, this equates to a maximum of 30g (around 7 sugar cubes) of free sugar per day.
